Photo: Ken Howard/Met Opera March 7, 2023, saw the second performance of the third cast in the Metropolitan Opera’s run of Verdi’s “La Traviata,” starring Angel Blue. Michael Mayer’s lavish production sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy in ways that both amplify and obscure certain aspects. From the overture, we’re presented with a tableau of the moment following Violetta’s {…}
Lucas Meachem is set to take over the role of De Siriex for the Metropolitan Opera’s upcoming production of “Fedora.” Meachem steps in for Artur Ruciński, who canceled his participation in the the production, stating on social media that, “‼️My dearest friends, it is with a heavy heart that I have to announce my very unfortunate withdrawal from the new {…}
Verdi’s La Traviata returns to the Metropolitan Opera with three casts. The opera, performed eight times from Oct. 25 to Nov. 19, 2022, will star Stephen Costello, Lucas Salsi, and Nadine Sierra. Maestro Daniele Callegari conducts the production by Michael Mayer. Then between Jan. 5 and 26, 2023, Ermonela Jaho will sing her acclaimed interpretation alongside Ismael Jordi and Amartuvshin {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its production of “Macbeth.” The company noted that Artur Ruciński has withdrawn from the title roles for performances set for July 14 and 18. As a result, he will be replaced by Craig Colclough on July 14 and George Petean on July 18. Colclough is a well-known Macbeth who has performed {…}
The Arena di Verona has announced a cast change for its performance on July 2 of “La Traviata.” The company noted that Artur Ruciński has withdrawn from the performance due to COVID-19 and has been replaced by Vladimir Stoyanov in the role of Germont. Ruciński took to social media and said, “It is with a heavy heart that I am {…}
The Metropolitan Opera is set to present a new production of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor.” The new staging will bring the bel canto masterpiece from 18th-century Scotland to a present-day town in the American Rust Belt. There will be nine performances from April 23 to May 21, 2022. Australian film, theater, and opera director Simon Stone makes his Met debut {…}
The Met Opera’s 2022-23 season is here. And that also means that one of its most popular aspects, the Live in HD series, is also back with a slew of new entries. So here is a rundown of what opera productions you will get a chance to not only watch live in cinemas, but eventually online and on TV. Sir {…}
On Nov. 17, 2021, the Metropolitan Opera presented the third performance of its 2021-22 run of Puccini’s seminal “La Bohème.” Franco Zeffirelli’s production is celebrating its 40th anniversary and is arguably the company’s most iconic. There was something quite uplifting about seeing the curtain rise on this expansive set, brimming with life and energy, especially after the time period we {…}
The Teatro Massimo di Palermo has announced its 2022 season featuring opera and concerts. Here is a look at the productions the company will be performing. The season opens with Verdi’s “Les vêpres siciliennes” starring Selene Zanetti, Piero Pretti, Leonardo Caimi, Gezim Mishketa, Luca Tittoto, and Fabrizio Beggi. Omer Meir Wellber conducts the production by Emma Dante. Performance Dates: Jan. 20-26, 2022 {…}
Suntory Hall in Tokyo is set to present Verdi’s “La Traviata” to celebrate its 35th-anniversary program. The opera will be presented on Oct. 7 and 9, 2021, and will mark the hall’s return to opera in five years. Conductor Nicola Luisotti will lead the opera with Zuzana Marková as Violetta and Francesco Demuro as Alfredo. Artur Ruciński will round the principal {…}
(Photo: Franco Lannino) For its summer season Palermo’s Teatro Massimo moves outdoors to the Teatro di Verdura, situated in parkland on the outskirts of the city centre. The cool evening heat, with a gentle breeze blowing in from the sea, along with the theatre’s sizable stage and substantial amount of raked seating with excellent sight lines suggested everything was just {…}
